Henry Shefflin handed reins in Kilkenny as county board hail his 'outstanding record'
The 10-time All-Ireland winner returned to manage Ballyhale last season and guided them to a record 21st Kilkenny Senior Hurling Championship title
Henry Shefflin has been named as Kilkenny's new senior hurling manager.
The Cats legend emerged as the preferred choice of the county's selection committee to succeed Derek Lyng.
The committee, made up of county chairman PJ Kenny, vice-chairman Jim Fennelly, Mick Dempsey, John Hickey and former Dublin senior hurling and football boss Pat Gilroy, backed Shefflin for the role.
The most decorated hurler of all time, Shefflin previously spent three seasons in charge of Galway senior hurling team after enjoying huge success with Ballyhale Shamrocks, leading the club to back-to-back All-Ireland senior hurling titles.
The 10-time All-Ireland winner returned to manage Ballyhale last season and guided them to a record 21st Kilkenny Senior Hurling Championship title.
Derek Lyng quit after Kilkenny exited the Championship after failing to finish in the top three.
A Kilkenny GAA statement read: "Kilkenny GAA is pleased to announce that Henry Shefflin has been appointed Manager of the Kilkenny Senior Hurling Team following ratification by the Kilkenny County Board at an online meeting this evening.
"Henry brings a wealth of experience, leadership and success to the role and is well placed to lead the next chapter of Kilkenny senior hurling.
"The appointment follows a comprehensive recruitment process that attracted a strong field of candidates. Kilkenny GAA wishes to sincerely thank all of those who expressed an interest in the position and participated in the interview process.
"The quality of candidates was exceptionally high, and the County Board greatly appreciated the professionalism, preparation and commitment shown throughout. The genuine desire of every candidate to do their best for Kilkenny GAA and to contribute to the future success of Kilkenny hurling was evident at every stage of the process."
Kilkenny GAA chair PJ Kenny added: “On behalf of Kilkenny GAA, I am delighted to welcome Henry Shefflin as our Senior Hurling Manager. Henry has an outstanding record of achievement and leadership, and we are confident he will bring tremendous experience, ambition and professionalism to the role.
“I would also like to acknowledge and thank every candidate who put themselves forward. The calibre of applicants reflected the esteem in which Kilkenny hurling is held, and we were struck throughout the process by the commitment each candidate demonstrated to serving Kilkenny GAA. We wish Henry every success as he takes up this important role.”
